Watching Wildcats win prepared me for job

A long time ago in a county far, far away… I thought I was destined to be the managing editor.

Heck, I had even made some business cards. I owned the job in my mind. I’d even started thinking about my wardrobe. I was actually looking forward to being the boss and wearing a tie. I was following many self-help books and publications by Norman Vincent Peale.

I really thought I had the job in the bag. But the bag had a hole in it I guess, as I was passed over not once, but twice for the editor’s gig despite being the most seasoned member of the staff at this newspaper.

I really didn’t mind staying the sports editor. But soon I left the paper, I couldn’t stand to see some one in the chair I longed to occupy.

So that began a journey of discovery to several other weekly and daily East Texas newspapers. I accepted a variety of spots from ad director, staff writer to lifestyle editor. I sold ads, kept writing sports when I could and raised a family.

What I didn’t see then, through my bitterness, was how that journey made me a better person and professional.

I learned more about the business. I developed as individual covering murder trials, city council and school board meetings.

But I was wondering in the wilderness. I did find true happiness when I made the 100-plus mile move from Jacksonville to Sulphur Springs.

Little did I know when I signed on as sports editor in 2008 that a few months later I’d be covering a state championship football team. Wow, what a fun and exciting ride.

I’d covered big events before, Dallas Cowboys games and the national junior college basketball tournament.

I was even lucky enough to follow and report on back-to-back undefeated state championships by the Alto Yellowjackets.

The Wildcat state run to a title was really something to behold and I recall it like yesterday. It was a different brand of football than I was used to seeing.

Sulphur Springs was a thrilling team to follow. High-scoring, wide open and a long way from some of the 14-10 games I’d covered in the historic Tomato Bowl a galaxy away in Jacksonville.

Just to recap the exciting run, the Wildcats went 14-2, but had some bumps in the road. They did not win district, but they won the state Class 4A, Division II title.

The turning point in my opinion was a scalding 59-25 defeat to rivals Texas High. What a nasty game to witness.

But the Wildcats from that point did not taste defeat again after that bitter dose in Texarkana.

The Wildcats won over district foes Mount Pleasant, Marshall and Hallsville to earn a postseason ticket.

Then Sulphur Springs whipped Lindale 42-28 on a windy night for bi-district. The Wildcats won the area title over Waxahachie, 35-21. They took a 42-21 victory against Denison.

The quarterfinal game against Rockwall-Heath really scared me. It was so close and Sulphur Springs head coach Greg Owens matched minds with Rockwall-Heath head coach Mickey Moss.

Moss, a graduate of Sulphur Springs was an excellent coach and fine competitor.

The Wildcats won that one by a nail-biting 52-47 final.

The state semi-final was tough one, the Wildcats won 47-34 over Everman.

The state title match was a track meet on turf. Up and down the Alamodome turf the teams raced. When the smoke had cleared it was the Wildcats taking a 69-49 win over a talented Dayton team.

I was there in San Antonio to watch and write about it all.

Then flash forward to 2021 and I’m back working at the News-Telegram, this time as the managing editor.

In the role I thought I had, several years ago. But things happen for a reason.

I believe I am exactly where I need to be at this time. My wander is over.

I plan on putting as much time, grit, effort and desire into this new position as I have at any stop along my 42-year newspaper career.

Times have changed, the technology and layout are certainly different than when I was banging away on a Royal typewriter.

But I am determined to do the best I can. I have lots of excellent help and support at the News-Telegram to make this happen. The newspaper hits the street because of the entire staff working together as one.